Cassie smiled a small smile as she hugged Cyrus back. She felt safe with him. She felt safe in his arms. Maybe now she could live a somewhat real life. Unsteaad of one built on fear and lies. For the first time ever, Cassie felt hope for what the future would bring her and her new friend.

As they flew over the clouds, cassie looked around them. She had never been up in the air before. And it pleased her to know, she wasn't scared. After signing in comfort, Cassie snuggled closer to Cyrus, laying her cheeck againist his chest. He felt so warm, and the feel of his heart under her head, lolled Cassie to sleep.

After several hours of flying through the cloudless skies, Cyrus, still carrying a now sleeping Cassie, gently perched up against his chest, began to descend towards the ground. He was no traveler, and even if he was, he still didn’t know his way around the vast landscapes of Arda. When he saw the ocean from the sky, he figured it was best to land for a time, and choose a new direction. Thus, he began his descent. Upon reaching the ground he came upon a vast discovery; a beach. And a sparkling clean one at that.

When Cyrus had placed his feet upon the warm sandy beach, he lowered Cassie to the ground, in a position comforting to her, and walked slowly out into the ocean. It was an awe inspiring moment for Cyrus, for he had seen the seas, the beachheads before, but never had they appeared so beautiful. And as he stared further into the horizon, he saw the beautiful glimmers of the sun reflect from the vast ocean before him, in a sparkling dance of oranges and purples.

Cyrus closed his eyes, and spread his wings, as he enjoyed feeling erupting from his heart.

Cassie couldn't feel the air on her face any more. Nor could she feel Cyrus arms wrapped around her. The feeling of bing alone suddenly became tomuch for Cassie. Her father could find her at any minute.

Cassie's eyes opened and she saw that they had indeed landed. They were on some kind of beach, and Cyrus was no where to be seen. Cassie sat up from her laying postion and took a look around. It was then that she saw Cyrus was in the water.

Cyrus. not wanting to bother him, stayed where she was.

Cyrus opened his eyes again to the view the beauty the shined and twinkled around him. Such beauty and grace, was only comparable to one thing in Arda, and that was his new companion. As he started thinking of Cassie once more, he found himself turning around to see if she was still in her peaceful slumber. When his eye had made contact, he found that she was not sleeping at all, but rather sitting up, and staring right at him. Cyrus thought about the oath once more, and something inside of him, told him to go near her, to be near her. The closer he was, the less chance of danger. So Cyrus followed his feelings, his heart, and walked slowly over to where Cassie was situated.

As he approached her, he closed his wings, folding them behind his back. It gave him the appearance of any average man, and he wanted to look as trusting as possible to his new found companion. He wanted her to be able to come to him, with any problem, in any situation. He wanted himself to be counted on…and maybe even something more. When he had finally reached her in his short walk from the glistening ocean waters, to the fresh and white sandy beaches which harbored his friend, he turned around to look out to the water, and sat beside her. Not saying a word, he stared silently into the abyss of what was once the home to Cassie.

Cassie looked out on the scene in front of them. There was no need to speak, the quite was soothing.

Cassie brought her knees up to her chest as they sat and wrapped her arms around them, resting her chin on her knees. She wondered what her feelings for Cyrus were, and why she had been so scared when he hadn't been there when she woke up. She had never felt that before for any one. And it made her wonder what it was.

Cassie looked out at the water and started to hum under her breath.

((Got permission from Cassie))

In the sky above the Easten Coast was what looked like a large red bird, however it was soon clear that it was infact the legendary fire bird, the Phoenix. It seen two travelers on the ground and turned in the air heading down towards them. The Phoenix landed softly on the ground next to the young woman known as Cassie, It raised its face and looked at her wondering why she was here. Of course unknown to both of them, the Phoenix was infact a Member of the Chaos Legion known as Alba Meria... And lets just say one of the Keepers knew him very well.

Alba in his phoenix form flew onto an rock and looked at both the six winged angel and also the pirate girl. This was all to perfect, he could get someone for the Legion and at the same time take the Keepers number down by one. Yes War would indeed be happy with this.

OOC:
EDIT: Issue resolved.

IC:
As Cyrus looked out onto the open sea, watching the sun’s lights slowly dance around the ocean surface, he saw an abnormally large bird coming towards where he, and his new companion, Cassie O’Connell sat. He watched in awe, and somewhat terror as the bird approached them, slowly closing in on them as if they were to be offered up as prey for the slaughter. However, Cyrus’s only thoughts were protecting the one next to him, and upholding the solemn oath he swore to; her protection, at any and all costs, even if it called for him to give his own life.

As the bird came into full view, clearer view, Cyrus easily identified the figure as a Phoenix, one of the most rarest and legendary creatures in the entire world. Cyrus watched the mythical beast intently as it landed near his companion upon the shore, and gave a somber look towards her; it’s eyes riddled with contempt, and what Cyrus made out to be confusion. Than unexpectedly, it flew off into the sea, and perched itself upon a large rock, still glaring at them. Cyrus slowly came to his feet, brushing the few particles of sand and pebbles off of his sash and skirt before turning to Cassie. Arching his brow, he spoke in a clear, and serious tone.

“I think it's time we take our leave.”

Cassie watched the bird, looking it in the eyes. She had seen this bird once before. In a dream as a child. But she didn't know why. When Cyrus said they should leave, cassie didn't stand up. Instead she shook her head no.

"It won't hurt us. It wants something else. I just don't know what. I've seen this bird before, in my dreams as a child. It helped me with my father."

Cassie then stood up and walked toward the shore, the water now lapping at her feet. She never once took her eyes off the bird.

The Phoenix let out some loud noises as it looked at Cassie. It then looked down onto the water and then back at the girl. Its entire body then erupted in flames as the Phoenix once again took into the air and flew back to the beach. It landed on the rock it had done before when it looked at Cassie. These fools had no idea, this worked every time since the Phoenix was meant to be a pure being, nobody ever thought that it was evil that dweld within this being.

The flames around the Phoenix soon died down somewhat and reduced in heat. His eyes once again set upon the six winged angel. Yes Alba may not have known his name, but via his minds conection with Zenith he had seen this being before, everything was going to plan... now it was time to crush the angels dream of protecting Cassie and keeping her within the light. Alba would take the girl into darkness... mould her into his own... project so to speak.

Cyrus listened to his companion’s words, and with an edge of hostility, nodded his head in somber reply. He had already learned once that things in this plane, in Arda, couldn’t be taken at face value. No, there was something brewing in the air, Cyrus could feel it. There was something out of place, something not right with this oh so holy bird. Cyrus couldn’t place his finger on it, but he felt something…that same feeling he felt so long ago, but couldn’t remember where or when.

As he struggled with his thoughts, trying now to place where this feeling was erupting from, what memory caused it to burn so fresh in his mind, he walked closely by his curious companion. She seemed so intrigued with this specimen, even saying she saw it in her dreams once. But this was…almost too soon to be happening…there was just something…wrong, with this entire situation.

Cassie couldn't tear her eyes off of the bird. Why did she know this bird? In her heart she knew it wasn't what it seemed, yet it still called to her. As if the bird could read her thoughts, Cassie asked it, *Why do I know you, yet I don't? What do you want with me?*

Cassie didn't expect to get a reply, but these questions still ran through her mind.

Alba looked at the girl as she spoke, it was perfect, she was falling for it. He flew over to her and reduced in size as he softly landed upon the shoulder of the girl and pecked at her ear. Still... Alba had to keep up his act, then he could get rid of the angel and draw the girl into chaos so the darkness of Arda would indeed get more powerfull... yes this was going to be a fun little task, and an evil one at that.

Cyrus watched in pure amazement as the once gargantuan phoenix that sat so proudly against the ocean waves atop it’s rocky throne, soon transformed into a shell of it’s former self; a small, if not tiny bird. As it did this, it approached his companion, and without a hinge, it landed softly against her shoulder, gently nibbling on her ear. Cyrus could do nothing but stand there, and hope that this bird was truly a holy creature, and that it would not bring the harm and pain to them both, as Cyrus suspiciously thought to himself.

Indeed, this was turning out to be a rather interesting turn of events. First the bird lands next to her, to Cassie, just looking into her eyes. Then it flies out into the open sea, drawing Cassie into its little area. Finally, it transforms, loses it’s massive girth, and sits atop her shoulder as if played out in a precise series of events. Events that seemed almost planned. While Cyrus glared down at the bird, he slowly balled his right hand into a fist, and his wings quickly jittered for a moment, before returning to their original dormant position.

Cassie laughed as the bird nibbled her ear. It tickled so much. Cassie hadn't laughed in so long, and it felt good to do so. Even over something as stupid as something tickling her skin.

Cassie didn't see Cyrus's reaction to the bird now sitting on her shoulder. She really didn't mind it being there. It wasn't heavy at all.

Alba stopped nibbling her ear then looked at Cyrus again, he knew this was getting to the angel and Alba loved it. He then nibbled her ear a little harder but still in a somewhat playfull way of course. Its eyes then turned pure red, the Phoenix was soon going to show them its other form... after all this was to fun to pass up now.

It spread its wings out into the sky as he waited on a reaction from either of the people.

As Cyrus arched his brow, he quickly raised it up as he saw what was transpiring. The phoenix’s beady little eyes quickly transformed into a blazing sheen of crimson. If that wasn’t enough to knock Cyrus flat on his wings, he then watched in terror as the tiny bird soared into the sky, flapping it’s wings rapidly, as if calling the winds down on them all. Cyrus felt the surge of magic spread throughout the area, but as the bird’s wings thrashed against the air with each beat, Cyrus saw his opportunity. An opening where the bird was no away from Cassie.

With all his energy, all his muscles pounding against his flesh like that of a drum, he darted towards Cassie in a blaze of white feathers and blurry tones of red, gold, and white. Cyrus threw his arms open, his feet smashing against the once beautiful sandy beaches with each step, marring the ground with the pressured weight of his body, and grabbed Cassie around the waist. Throwing his body upward, his wings began to beat with a ferocious speed, and he jolted into the sky with his companion tightly caught with his arms around her.

Refusing to look back, fear and confusion egged him on to fly faster, to reach an unknown speed to get away from what was about to erupt behind him. His mind was now focused on that oath, that one thing that echoed throughout his broken mind, and he was determined to keep it.

Cassie stuggled againist Cyrus. "What are you doing? Take me back. Please, Cyrus. I beg you. Take me back." Cassie started to cry. She had felt safe on that beach. No where else had she felt that.

As Cyrus was up in the air, Cassie saw her chance to get away. The water was under them and it was the perfect then. Cassie stuggled some more until she was free and falling torwards the water. Cassie did a flip, so she woiuld end the fall in a dive. Once in the water, Cassie swam for her life. She wouldn't be taking from the place she felt safest. not again.

The phoenix seen the foolish move by the angel then went after him and the girl. Its body then began to glow once again and a human form slowly took shape within the glow. He still had large flaming wings upon his back but his hair was a flames red colour with a white streak flowing through it. The man was rather tall and had alot of weapons. On his back between his wings was a large scythe although unknown to the foolish angel was that this blade was infact a reforged Dark Black. One of the most powerfull blades within Arda.

Then laying at each of the soring Phoenix mans sides where a lightning blade on each side. He also had a basic Katana at the back of his waist. This was all to fun. The thrill of the chase. The mans name was Alba... his second name did not matter just now as he would say it when he encounted this freak of an Angel in battle. And with his weapons and skills Alba would destroy this pathetic attempt for an angel.

He soon seen the woman falling from the sky, she had gotten herself free from the angels grasp and fell into the water. Alba smirked as he knew the woman was safe, He then headed right towards the Angel... He quickly drew his scythe into his right hand and one his lightning blade into his left. Alba swipped for the angels head with his scythe and made a stab to the angels stomache with the lighting blade. It would be very hard to dodge both attacks as one was coming from the side while another headed straing for his vital organs.

Cassie had just made it to land when she looked behind her. She didn't see any one foloowing her yet. But she didn't want to take a chance. With out looking up, Cassie ran in to the trees. Hoping to get away from all that was happening in her life at the moment. She knew it was more than likely that either Cyrus or the bird would come after her. But for now, she would just run.

((I’m whipped... Might as well make my getaway then.))

Cyrus watched in horror at the next set of events that took place. The one person he had ever felt strongly for, the one who he had sworn an oath of protection to, wanted to be rid of him. He held her across the waist tightly, but it was to no avail, as she wiggled her way free, and plunged directly into the ocean below him. Although Cyrus kept flying, it was as if he had lost something of his own, like an organ, or a thought, or rather, a powerful and fresh emotion, just recently surfaced.

As his eyes narrowed down to look towards where his companion had purposefully fallen, he lost her faint image among the hectic waves, and slowly had to come to grips with the fact that the one person he held truly dear to his heart, was gone forever unto a sea of misty waves. His brow lowered in anger for a moment, but lifted, as his eyes began to tear up, and the droplets raced towards the ocean very much the same as Cassie did.

Slowing his wing’s aerial pace in pure sorrow, he didn’t see the figure approach him from behind with such incredible speed, nor had he time to prepare for the preemptive attack. A large luminescent blade, that seemed to shine against the sun’s glary ray, swung directly at his head. While he dodged the attack, a bit accidentally, he could not escape the second one. The blade aimed at his lower torso, seemingly tore right through his flesh like parchment, splattering blood across the once beautiful horizon the lied in front of him.

Screaming out in reaction to the jolt of pain that went up through his midsection, his wings began to pick up tremendous speed, in order to escape the assailant. As Cyrus pushed himself further away, the blade easily slipped right of his torso, but the painful and bloodied wound remained. Cyrus jerked his head forward to see where it was he was trying so desperately to get to, before realizing that he was coming towards another landmass.

Cyrus moved his right hand down to squeeze the gaping wound, trying to apply the much needed pressure to stop the bleeding, before he remembered his own ability. Almost as if it had suddenly arisen from the cloudless sky itself, he remembered when he healed Cassie’s blood dripping wrist back at the cliff edge, and when he came to this memory, almost on command, he could feel the magical energies surging through his stomach, where he had rested his hand.

While not nearly sealing the wound completely, it had stopped most of the bleeding, and allowed Cyrus to focus more on his escape. He knew he was outmatched, and he had no defensive weaponry to speak of anyways, so the best he could do was run, or in this case, fly way. As he neared the rather large landmass, already quite far away from his attacker, he dove right into the trees, that seemed to cover the area like a thick rug.

Slamming against the branches in his path, he removed his hand from his wound, and placed both arms over his face in the form of an X, to block the impact of the flailing tree branches, and frightened creatures that scurried in his path, across his face.

Cassie couldn't stop running. Her legs were killing her, but her mind told her not to stop. Not to let either of them catch her. Not to let them hurt her. She wouldn't go back to liveing in fear. She couldn't go back. Cassie knew it would kill her if she went back. That was way she couldn't let her father get her.

Cassie's mind swam with memories of the past. Because of that, she wasn't watching where she was going. Cassie fell to the Earth, her hands and knees getting scrached as she fell. He wrist bone snapping. A sound she had heard before. Cassie cried out in pain, knowing there was nothing she could do right now for her broken wrist.

The pain became to much to handle for Cassie, and she soon fainted. Her mind still lost in the flood of living nightmares past.